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| Market association leaders raise concerns over Smart meters, power billing | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 19: A meeting of the Presidents and General Secretaries of various Market Associations was convened at Chamber House under the leadership of Sh. Arun Gupta.
During the meeting, Sh. Arun Gupta, while addressing the attendees, brought attention to the issue at hand: the installation of smart meters and the subsequent transition to a prepaid system of billing by the Power Development Department (PDD). He highlighted his efforts in addressing this matter through various forums and interactions with MD JPDCL, Sh. Shiv Anat Tatyal, on August 8, 2023. Gupta expressed concerns over the sudden increase in power bills following the installation of smart meters and questioned the necessity of replacing digital meters with these smart devices. Gupta expressed unease over the installation of smart meters on electric poles, causing distress among the general public. He suggested that these meters should be installed within consumers’ premises to avoid mental agony. Gupta deemed this shift as a direct violation of consumers’ fundamental rights. He critiqued the government, particularly PDD, for attempting to downplay the concerns by comparing meter readings of smart meters with those of digital meters. He called for a committee to address public grievances rather than making excuses. Gupta shared instances where consumers reported receiving inflated bills post-smart meter installation and receiving varied bills in subsequent months, yet the department failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Other members present at the meeting shared Gupta’s concerns and opined that the government should prioritize reducing transmission losses, which are notably high in the state compared to other regions.
They emphasized the importance of involving business community members and civil society in decision-making processes that affect the general public.
Some attendees expressed their frustration with the government, claiming harassment of the general public and business community on various pretexts. They also criticized the lack of prompt response when electricity disruptions occur after smart meter installation.
In response to the government’s perceived inaction on consumer grievances regarding excessive billing with smart meters, the members suggested that a Jammu Bandh (shutdown) could be a viable solution to highlight their genuine concerns. The members granted President CCI Sh. Arun Gupta the authority to make decisions, including announcing a Jammu Bandh when deemed appropriate.
The meeting included representatives from more than 100 associations, including office bearers such as Rajeev Gupta (Jr. Vice President), Sh. Manish Gupta (Secretary General), Rajesh Gupta (Secretary), and Rajesh Gupta (Treasurer). |
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